The Intersection of Womens' Rights & Domestic Violence

In today’s constantly connected world, we understand a lot more about domestic violence and how it intersects with a variety of other issues. One of these issues includes womens’ rights.

Understanding the Concept: Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence, contemporarily referred to as Intimate Partner Violence, comes in many forms. For most people, their mind immediately imagines a heavy-set man in a ribbed white tank top screaming at his wife for not fetching him a beer as soon as he wants it. However, domestic violence is much more nuanced than that. While the aforementioned situation does happen, statistically, sexual and psychological violence dominates the field of domestic violence. Domestic violence can also look like a partner sending threatening text messages because the recipient didn’t respond right away, a partner controlling what hairstyle the recipient has or who a partner can talk to. Every state has some form of laws in reference to DV, as well as specific punishments for DV offenders. A majority of advocates argue the current standards aren’t enough, but many states have come a long way in the past few decades to address domestic violence.

How They Intersect: Current Problems & Current Successes

Regardless of your position on the political pendulum, social justice groups exist that advocate for womens’ rights. Even if you feel that women have achieved all the necessary rights, or that women don’t even need rights, there are people out there who think the opposite - and that’s okay.

In a lot of ways, womens’ rights and privileges have come a long way, especially when we consider rights for women in relationships. It wasn’t until the mid-to-late 1900s that states even created marital rape laws that mandated spouses couldn’t force their partner to commit sex acts with them. For many years, especially prior to the authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, spouses around the nation were subjected to lackluster protections from the government.

Even today, many states only consider DV a misdemeanor, making the exception for the 3 Strike Rule: DV is a felony only when it’s an offender’s third time committing the offense. Additionally, the only way most DV cases make it to the Circuit or Superior Court level is if they’re tied to another aggravated offense, such as 1st Degree Murder or Malicious Wounding. On top of that, if a victim has not lived with their abuser within the last year or doesn’t have a child in common with their abuser, the case doesn’t occur in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court, particularly in the state of Virginia. This can be problematic for victims because the punishments and procedures in JDR court differ from GDC and Circuit - including confidentiality.

However, there have been some benefits from the intersection of women’s rights and domestic violence. The Violence Against Women Act has provided funding for a variety of domestic violence shelters and awareness projects. In 2012, Virginia made strangulation an automatic felony. Many states assert firearm restrictions on offenders convicted of domestic violence charges.

How You Can Help

If you’re wondering what you can do this Women’s History Month to bring awareness to domestic violence, consider some of the following:

• Look Into Current Bills: Bills become laws. Take a look at the current bills being introduced by your Congressman/woman. Find the ones regarding domestic violence laws, and call your representatives! Tell them that you want that bill passed to protect victims of domestic violence. If your state is currently in General Assembly, take a look at the state-level bills and talk with your state-level representatives. Sometimes, those state-level laws directly affect domestic violence programs more than federal-level ones.

• Volunteer: Can’t stress this one enough! You should always consider volunteering for your local DV shelter or grass roots organization. They need the man power, especially if they don’t receive a lot of funding. You can work in the office to assist in case management, do shelter monitoring, offer to pick up and distribute donations, etc. Every little bit helps!

• Organize Donations: If you belong to a group, business or organization, consider hosting a donation drive! Contact your local shelter to determine what they might need. Focus on things that most people wouldn’t: feminie hygiene products, gently used dress clothes, maternity clothes, etc.